Vegas Betting Odds: Oregon vs. Nebraska Preview & Free Pick

The Oregon Ducks (1-0) will host the Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-0) in a rematch from last year’s non-conference schedule. Kickoff is set for 4:30 EST at Autzen Stadium in Eugene and will be televised nationally on FOX.

Our Week 2 betting lines show the Ducks as a 14-point favorite over the Cornhuskers with a total sitting at 68 points. This line has jumped quite a bit since it opener at Oregon -10. Some might find the line surprising given Nebraska won the head-to-head matchup last year 35-32 as a 3-point home favorite.

Nebraska vs Oregon Game Preview & Vegas Betting Lines

The Cornhuskers managed to escape a close call at home with a 43-36 win against Arkansas State in their season opener. Nebraska’s only led 27-26 at the half, but pulled away in the final two quarters. Only once in the game did they lead by more than the 14.5-point spread. As you would expect given the score, the game flew over the total of 51.5.

Offense wasn’t the problem for the Cornhuskers. Tre Bryant led the way with 192 of the teams 225 rushing yards, while new starting QB Tanner Lee racked up 238 yards and two scores. The defense on the other hand, had their hands full with a relentless Arkansas St passing attack. The Red Wolves only rushed for 82 yards on 21 attempts, but had 415 yards on 68 pass attempts.

Oregon looked a bit like the Ducks of old in a 77-21 blowout win at home against Southern Utah. The Ducks offense couldn’t be stopped early, as they jumped out to a 42-7 lead before the half They scored 21 points in each of the first 3 quarters. They easily covered as 31-point favorite and covered the total of 75.5 by themselves.

Talented senior running back Royce Freeman finished with 150 yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground and added another 50 yards on 4 receptions. Sophomore QB Justin Herbert was an efficient 17 of 22 for 281 yards with 1 touchdown pass (Ducks had 9 rushing scores). The defense that was a problem last year allowed a TD drive on Southern Utah’s first possession, but the Thunderbirds didn’t score again until the game was well out of reach.

Free Vegas College Football Pick & Betting Prediction: OVER 68

If I had to take a side, I would roll the dice with Oregon, but I think the better value is to take the OVER 68 points on the total. Chip Kelly and Scott Frost may be long gone, but the Ducks are still playing at a fast pace offensively. Most importantly, they have a ton of talent on that side of the ball. After only scoring 35.4 ppg last year, I expect them to get back to average 40+.

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As for Nebraska, they just played in a shootout at home against Arkansas State. While one of the better teams in the Sun Belt, they have nothing on the talent at Oregon. If the Cornhuskers give up 35+ points at home to a Sun Belt team, there’s every reason to believe they could all 50+ to the Ducks.

At the same time, I think this Nebraska offense is going to be able to generate their fair share of offense in this one. The defense for Oregon is going to be improved, but it’s far from elite. I think you can chalk up at least 24-28 points for the Cornhuskers in this one, with the potential for more.

I just don’t see the scenario where this game ends up being a defensive battle. I look for a lot of big plays on both sides, which should have this one finishing well into 70s.

OVER is 10-2 in the Ducks last 12 homes games when listed as a favorite and 11-2 in their last 13 at home with a total of 63 or more points. OVER is also 8-1 in Oregon’s last 9 home games in the 1st half of the season.